The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today released its 2026 Maryland Voter Guide, a non-partisan resource designed to inform Maryland voters of key election information including deadlines and dates and how to participate in the 2026 election cycle.
DOWNLOAD THE 2026 MARYLAND VOTER GUIDE
In this pivotal election year, civic engagement is more important than ever. The 2026 elections will shape public policy and community representation at the local and state levels – decisions that impact issues ranging from civil rights and education to public safety and economic opportunity. CAIR Maryland believes that informed Muslim civic participation strengthens our democracy, amplifies community voices, and ensures that policies reflect the needs and values of all residents.
Muslim American voters have made historic gains in political participation, with record numbers of Muslim candidates and elected officials in recent years – a testament to the community’s growing influence and commitment to civic life. These milestones underscore the importance of voter education and engagement across Maryland.
To further support voter empowerment, CAIR Maryland, in partnership with the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), has launched its Election Townhall Series: Understanding Data to Democracy – a statewide civic engagement initiative aimed at increasing awareness, participation, and dialogue ahead of the 2026 elections. The series kicked off on Monday, January 19, 2026, in Howard County, where the discussion focused on ISPU’s findings in its American Muslim Poll, key election issues, voter resources, and strategies for meaningful engagement in the democratic process.
Next on the calendar is the Montgomery County Townhall, with the date to be announced soon. These events are part of a broader effort to strengthen civic participation and foster a well-informed electorate across Maryland’s diverse communities.
“We are at a moment in history where every vote matters, and every voice deserves to be heard,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “This election cycle is an opportunity for Muslim voters to shape policies that affect their families’ lives and neighborhoods.”
CAIR and CAIR Action recently jointly released a new webinar training to supplement their joint “2026 Toolkit on Promoting Muslim Civic Engagement in Local and State Governments,” a first-of-its-kind advocacy guide designed to help Muslim communities and allied advocates win meaningful policy changes across city councils, state legislatures, school boards, and university governing bodies.
Download the 2026 Toolkit to Empower Muslim Civic Engagement in Local and State Governments
The toolkit provides guidance on model resolutions, strategic guidance, and tools to advance Muslim inclusion, civil rights protections, and community-led policy victories nationwide. It builds on CAIR and CAIR Action’s sustained policy advocacy work, joining a growing catalog of national resource publications. It covers policy areas including, but not limited to:
- Recognition of Muslim Heritage Month, Ramadan, and Eid
- Religious accommodations in schools, workplaces, and public institutions
- Halal food access and inclusive institutional practices
- Anti-discrimination measures protecting Muslims and other marginalized groups
- Free speech protections, including response guidance to IHRA-style speech restrictions
- Peace and justice resolutions, including local calls for ceasefire action
The Maryland Voter Guide is intended to be a go-to resource for voters seeking accessible, reliable information on how to participate in upcoming elections.
For additional information, to request printed copies of the guide, or to request scheduling a townhall in your community, email mdoutreach@cair.com.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com